In a recent poll conducted by NPR, PBS News, and Marist, Vice President Kamala Harris has narrowly surpassed former President Donald Trump by a 2-point lead in national favorability, marking the race at 50% to 48% in favor of Ms. Harris. Despite this slight advantage, the margin of error within the poll suggests a highly competitive political landscape as the nation heads closer to election day.
Interestingly, when dissecting voter demographics, it becomes evident that Ms. Harris faces challenges among independent voters—a crucial constituency that previously leaned towards President Biden by a significant 13 points in the 2020 elections. Currently, she lags behind Mr. Trump by 4 points among this group.
The gender divide presents another notable trend with men showing strong support for Mr. Trump at 57% compared to Ms. Harris' 41%. Women, on the other hand, seem to strongly favor Ms. Harris with an 18-point lead over Mr. Trump.
Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, commented on these dynamics stating that despite active campaigning from both sides, a decisive victory remains elusive as key voter segments continue to show divergent preferences. He further highlighted that "the gender gap continues to widen," suggesting an unprecedented disparity in how male and female voters may influence the outcome of this year’s election.
The same survey also shed light on voter priorities with preserving democracy now leading as the top concern nationally at 64%, surpassing economic worries which came in second at 59%. Immigration issues also featured prominently but were not deemed as critical as the former two concerns—yet with a significant portion (59%) of respondents advocating for deportation measures against migrants.
Notably, both candidates face their own challenges with public perception; Mr. Trump's favorability is more negative than positive among those surveyed (51% viewing him unfavorably). Vice President Harris fares slightly better but still confronts considerable skepticism with 47% holding an unfavorable view towards her.
Despite these mixed sentiments towards candidates and critical issues facing the nation, there remains a strong belief in the electoral process itself—76% of voters trust in the fairness of the upcoming November elections. However, concerns about election fraud loom large with a majority (58%) expressing worry over potential irregularities influencing results.
This poll was conducted from September 27 to October 1 and involved interviews with 1,628 individuals across various demographics to gauge national sentiment ahead of what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest.
Interestingly, when dissecting voter demographics, it becomes evident that Ms. Harris faces challenges among independent voters—a crucial constituency that previously leaned towards President Biden by a significant 13 points in the 2020 elections. Currently, she lags behind Mr. Trump by 4 points among this group.
The gender divide presents another notable trend with men showing strong support for Mr. Trump at 57% compared to Ms. Harris' 41%. Women, on the other hand, seem to strongly favor Ms. Harris with an 18-point lead over Mr. Trump.
Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, commented on these dynamics stating that despite active campaigning from both sides, a decisive victory remains elusive as key voter segments continue to show divergent preferences. He further highlighted that "the gender gap continues to widen," suggesting an unprecedented disparity in how male and female voters may influence the outcome of this year’s election.
The same survey also shed light on voter priorities with preserving democracy now leading as the top concern nationally at 64%, surpassing economic worries which came in second at 59%. Immigration issues also featured prominently but were not deemed as critical as the former two concerns—yet with a significant portion (59%) of respondents advocating for deportation measures against migrants.
Notably, both candidates face their own challenges with public perception; Mr. Trump's favorability is more negative than positive among those surveyed (51% viewing him unfavorably). Vice President Harris fares slightly better but still confronts considerable skepticism with 47% holding an unfavorable view towards her.
Despite these mixed sentiments towards candidates and critical issues facing the nation, there remains a strong belief in the electoral process itself—76% of voters trust in the fairness of the upcoming November elections. However, concerns about election fraud loom large with a majority (58%) expressing worry over potential irregularities influencing results.
This poll was conducted from September 27 to October 1 and involved interviews with 1,628 individuals across various demographics to gauge national sentiment ahead of what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest.
